Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (11/26/21)

The Island of Relevancy awaits.

Published

2 years ago

November 26, 2021

Steven Mitchell

Who will earn their shot at Roman Reigns?

The WWE Universal Champion was SmackDown’s shining Survivor Series win, but it’s back to business. Who wins a battle royal to become #1 contender?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Drew McIntyre & Jeff Hardy VS “Happy” Corbin & “Mad Cap” Moss; McIntyre & Hardy win.
Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus VS Cesaro; Cesaro wins.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Throwdown: Rick Boogs w/ Shinsuke Nakamura VS Angel Garza w/ Humbert Carrillo; Garza wins.
Sasha Banks & Naomi VS Shayna Baszler & Natalya; Sasha & Naomi win.
WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Sami Zayn wins and will challenge Roman Reigns for the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kayla Braxton is in the ring!

She welcomes us to this post-Thanksgiving edition of Friday Night SmackDown, and says rumors continue to heat up that Brock Lesnar’s indefinite suspension- Roman Reigns interrupts! The Head of the Table, Paul Heyman carrying the Universal Championship for him, stands on stage, then is handed the belt for the pyro. Roman then continues down to the ring, Heyman holing the title up as a banner. And then Roman holds the title up in the ring for more pyro. Heyman allows Kayla to step forward, but has her hand over the mic. “Rumorssss? Rumors about Brrrock. Lesnarrr. That’s the best you got? Rumors? We don’t do rumorsss on the Island of Relevancy.”

That’s Kayla’s problem! She parades around here like she’s a journalist with breaking news about Lesnar’s suspension when she knows it’s personal to Roman and Heyman, but she just wants the spotlight for herself. Heyman tells fans not to boo her, they can’t judge any of them in the ring. Heyman defended Kayla because she’s a coworker but he’s disappointed in her. She needs confirmation, denial, or facts! That’s what Roman deals in. Heyman used to like Kayla because people said she’s pretty. But Kayla is living her life through an Instagram filter. But there is no filter that makes you a legit journalist. Until she is one, this is her cue to leave Roman’s ring. Thank you for your time, good night.

Kayla storms off, but fans chant, “We Want Brock!” Roman gets the mic and asks Heyman, “Do you want to know the problem with rumors? Rumors give loses false hope. And compared to me, everyone’s a loser around here.” Roman’s beaten them all! And Lesnar is the number one loser around here. Roman beat him and it wasn’t even in ideal conditions. Roman flew all around the world and smashed Lesnar. Roman doesn’t care about rumors and that’s the facts. Y’know who else is a loser? Big E, the WWE Champion, is a loser cuz he got smashed at Survivor Series. But they’re just part of a long list! Roman’s beat them all. Roman’s running laps, it’s getting embarrassing!

What did management do? What’s that thing for tonight? A Black Friday Battle Royal to determine a #1 contender for the Head of the Table? C’mon…! Battle royal, elimination match, gauntlet, three way, four way, five way, it don’t matter. Just let three or four of them win and he’ll smash ’em all! Roman can do that because he’s the best of the best, the Universal Champion, the Head of the Table, YOUR Tribal Chief, and the Greatest of All Time. When Roman’s days are down, which could be sooner than later, the whole world will acknowledge him. Roman doesn’t care who wins tonight, but will he take that winner seriously when it’s time to take that person on?

Drew McIntyre & Jeff Hardy VS “Happy” Corbin & “Mad Cap” Moss!

The Scottish Warrior watched the Charismatic Enigma’s back before Survivor Series, and now has his back here against the hyenas. Will Hardy Country also become Claymore Country here in Greensboro? Or will Corbin & Moss become insufferable with a win here tonight?

SmackDown returns as Corbin & Moss make their entrance. The teams sort out but Corbin attacks Hardy from behind! Corbin stomps Hardy, gloats then drags Hardy up to whip him to a corner. Hardy dodges then atomic drops and trips Corbin up for the leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick, then a wrench. Corbin clubs and ROCKS Hardy, then tags in Moss. Moss mugs Hardy with knees, then runs and runs to run Hardy over! Moss keeps moving, Hardy hip tosses him down! Cover, ONE! Hardy tags McIntyre in and fans fire up as they double whip Moss to double elbow and fist drop splash combo! Cover, TWO!

McIntyre keeps on Moss and CHOPS him in the corner. Fans fire up, but Moss throat chops McIntyre. Moss whips, McIntyre comes back and CLOBBERS him! McIntyre drags Moss up, wrenches and tags in Hardy. Hardy hops up, double ax handles to Moss’ arm! Hardy wrenches Moss, grinds the shoulder, but Moss powers out. Hardy sends Moss out and wrecks him with a dropkick! Hardy ducks Corbin’s clothesline to hotshot him down! Hardy goes to the apron to FLYING LARIAT Corbin down! But Moss CLOBBERS Hardy into the timekeeper’s area! Moss laughs it up while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Corbin fires off body shots on Hardy in a corner. The ref counts, Corbin lets off and whips Hardy corner to corner. Corbin runs, Hardy dodges, but Corbin slides out then slides in to DECK McIntyre! Corbin puts Hardy in the corner, Moss mugs him while Corbin taunts McIntyre and the ref is busy with him. Moss tags in, but Hardy kicks back! Moss slips out of the Twist, DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES bring both men down! Fans fire up, Moss and Hardy crawl, hot tags to Corbin and McIntyre! McIntyre rallies with big lariats, then a whip to an elbow! McIntyre gets Corbin in a corner, OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Moss runs in but into a NECKBREAKER!

McIntyre dodges Corbin, Corbin slides out and in but McIntyre dodges to NECKBREAKER! And kip up! Fans fire up with McIntyre as he calls for the countdown! The fans count it down but McIntyre has to hit Moss first! Corbin gets McIntyre for a DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO! Corbin is furious but he drags McIntyre over to tag in Moss. They mug McIntyre, Moss scoops and Corbin goes up. Hardy saves McIntyre and then McIntyre ROCKS Moss! McIntyre dodges Corbin, Corbin jumps into Hardy’s kick! Corbin blocks the Twist and shoves Hardy out! McIntyre clotheslines Corbin out! Moss forearms but McIntyre HEADBUTTS! McIntyre then dodges to CLAYMORE Moss down!

Fans are thunderous and McIntyre tags in Hardy! Hardy throws off the shirt, climbs up top, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Hardy & McIntyre win!

Winners: Drew McIntyre & Jeff Hardy, by pinfall

Greensboro is red hot for their hometown hero and the Scottish Warrior! But will this be the last either of them has heard from the chuckle headed Corbin and Moss?

Aliyah talks with Kayla backstage.

She wants to know as much as anyone about the rumors, but then Heyman walks over. Aliyah hurries off and Heyman asks Kayla if she got any updates on the rumors. See, this is what Kayla needs to do. She needs to get a confirmation or a denial. But the thing is, there are no rumors about Lesnar, because he got himself suspended. He put his hands on Adam Pearce not once but twice to leave the WWE no options. But Lesnar is hiding behind the suspension because he fears Roman Reigns. Think that’s a rumor? Call Lesnar. Oh, wait, Heyman doesn’t have his new number, and neither does Kayla.

And that’s another problem. If Kayla doesn’t have a confirmation or denial by the end of tonight, Kayla’s GONE. Or at least, that’s what Heyman’s pushing for. Or maybe it’s just a rumor. Heyman walks off, but what will Kayla do about his not so veiled threat?

Ridge Holland w/ Sheamus VS Cesaro!

Northern Grit made quite the impression on his hero, The Celtic Warrior, in helping Sheamus get the win last week to join Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. Now Holland looks to make an even bigger impression taking the Swiss Cyborg on himself! Will the Fella love what he sees from his brand new protégé?

SmackDown returns and Cesaro makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Cesaro puts Holland in a corner, lets off as the ref counts, but then he counter punches Holland, fires off body shots and EuroUppers, then whips him corner to corner. Cesaro runs in to EuroUpper, then climbs up to rain down fists! Sheamus distracts Cesaro and that allows Holland to trip Cesaro up! Holland runs and POUNCES him! Then he puts Cesaro in the corner, fires off EuroUppers and body shots of his own. Holland reels Cesaro in to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO! Holland keeps on Cesaro with a seated cobra twist and he thrashes Cesaro all around.

Fans boo, then rally up for Cesaro. Cesaro stands up, Holland ripcords him but Cesaro fires off hands! Holland traps the arms to headbutt then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cover, TWO! Holland sits Cesaro up to CLUB him, then clamps on a chinlock. Holland grinds Cesaro down but Cesaro fights up and throws body shots. Holland reverses the whip and tilt-o-whirl POWERSLAMS! Cover, ONE, so Holland rains down forearms and knees, and then drops elbows! Holland gets complimented by Sheamus and Holland pie faces Cesaro. Cesaro drags Holland down into a lateral press, Cesaro wins!!

Winner: Cesaro, by pinfall

Holland’s ego was being fed a little too much and that cost him.

Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce are visited by Drew McIntyre.

Sonya asks, “Can we help you?” McIntyre says he doesn’t want to be presumptuous, but considering the stakes, he wants to make sure he’s in that “Black Friday Invitational Battle Royal.” Well they don’t have the final list of competitors yet, but when they do, they’ll let him know. Well like he said, he expects an invitation. Pearce would if he were McIntyre, too. McIntyre heads out, but will he be in that contender’s match later tonight?

Rick Boogs is here!

And he of course introduces the WWE Intercontinental Champion, Shinsuke NakamurAAAAA~! The King of Strong Style rocks with Boogs, as does Pat McAfee and the fans. However, it won’t be Nakamura that goes to battle, it’s BOOGS! Will he get his fill against Los Lotharios?

Thanksgiving Leftovers Throwdown: Rick Boogs w/ Shinsuke Nakamura VS Angel Garza w/ Humbert Carrillo!

SmackDown returns and Los Lotharios are already in the ring. Garza takes off his pants, throws them at Boogs and dropkicks him down, the same tactic he used against Nakamura! Garza mugs Boogs at the ropes, then drags him out to aim at the table. Boogs blocks, throws elbows and then lifts Garza! Garza gets to the apron and dropkicks Boogs down! Garza puts Boogs in the ring, clamps on a chinlock and grinds him down with a straitjacket stretch. Fans rally up, Boogs endures, and Boogs powers up, only for Garza to throw him down! Garza stomps Boogs down and wraps the straitjacket back on. Fans chant, “We Want Tables!” while Boogs yells and arm-drags out!

Boogs scoops Garza for a spinning toss! Then he gut wrenches Garza for the shakedown! And then gut wrench suplex! Carrillo gets up but Boogs DECKS him! Garza kicks, Boogs blocks and gut wrenches Garza all around! POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Boogs fires up and gets Garza back up for an abdominal stretch! But Carrillo starts playing Boogs’ guitar! Boogs tells Carrillo to stop, but Nakamura sweeps Carrillo’s legs, and Carrillo falls through the table! All the cranberry sauce and corn gets on him, but Garza SUPERKICKS Boogs, to the WING CLIPPER! Cover, Garza wins!

Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall

While one Lothario is feeling left out like the leftovers, the other gets a win to get even with Nakamura & Boogs. What will it take for these four to settle the score?

Adam Pearce looks over the roster.

Kayla Braxton asks if he can reveal who will be in the invitational battle royal. He says that as soon as he gets approval, he’ll post it right outside the door. Then can he also comment on the rumors of the possible reinstatement of Brock Lesnar? She is sure he recalls the events around the suspension… Pearce takes a moment, and he says he hasn’t heard anything about the changes to the indefinite suspension. But stranger things have happened. But when you consider the damage, not just the property damage or the medical bills or the… therapy sessions… “Brock Lesnar is a menace. And I personally would be shocked if that suspension were to be lifted any time soon.” Pearce excuses himself to handle business, is that denial enough to satisfy Heyman?

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!

She may not have defeated Big Time Becks, but the Queen is still the SmackDown Women’s Champion, and North Carolina is still Flair Country! But how will she move on from Survivor Series? We’ll see, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Michael Cole joins Charlotte in the ring. He says Charlotte must be very disappointed about her loss to Becky Lynch. Disappointed? No. The only thing she’s disappointed in is the poor officiating in that match. We all saw how Becky won. The only way she could win was by blatantly cheating. But congrats to her, she’s as underhanded as Charlotte knew she was. Becky has a shallow victory. She’s not stronger, just lucky. All that proved is that Becky is everything Charlotte’s said she was. Deep down, they both know Charlotte’s the better woman. Charlotte is the reason for Becky’s success.

Then the question would be, is what is next for Charlotte Flair? Becky can pretend to be big time on Raw and fantasy land, but in reality, Charlotte is still the most dominant woman in sports entertainment. But here comes Toni Storm! Wow, wow, wow. Toni knew Becky got in Charlotte’s head, but this is something. The obsessions with Becky made Charlotte vulnerable, and just as Toni predicted, Becky won. So what happens next? Charlotte goes after Toni for standing up to the high and mighty Charlotte Flair! Toni figured she’d make this easier for Charlotte and come right here to her. Aw, how cute, Toni. You think Charlotte was going after her? Charlotte barely knew Toni existed.

There is a reason Charlotte wipes her boots on the apron before getting in the ring. There are levels to this, and Charlotte is on a different one. So how would Toni like to be embarrassed tonight? Beaten to a pulp? Or more like this? But Toni dodges the sucker punch then throws Charlotte out! Toni then goes out, but gets a PIE to the FACE! That one had a lot of whipped cream on it! Charlotte licks her fingers, but Toni gets back up. Charlotte dares her to bring it, and then just PIES Toni again! Charlotte walks off and leaving Toni steaming. Will Toni get even with the Queen for the holidays?

Sonya Deville talks on the phone.

Sasha walks over and interrupts. At Survivor Series, Sasha was the captain, but Sonya sabotaged her with a team full of traitors. Everyone saw what Natty, Shayna and Shotzi did: they screwed her over. This was Sonya’s team, so Sasha blames her. As captain, Sasha should’ve been able to choose her own team. And if Naomi was on the team, they would’ve won. What’s Sonya’s problem with Naomi to begin with? Sonya laughs that off and tells Sasha to watch her tone. Second, this isn’t how things work. You can’t rewrite history. The captain lost and that’s on her. Also, there is no issue with Naomi. Oh is that so? Because Sonya’s voice changes when she lies.

Is Sonya jealous of Naomi? Is it because Naomi is more athletic? More popular? Has a bigger following? Is it because Naomi’s a two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion while Sonya’s been downgraded to a suit? Damn right Sonya’s wearing a suit, because she’s the boss. But if Sasha loves Naomi so much, team up with her against Natalya & Shayna. Sonya takes her leave, but will the Boss & The Glow take care of business against the Queen of Harts & Queen of Spades?

SmackDown shares another chapter of Xia Li’s story.

“I still remember his deep breath echoing in the empty school hallway. His mouth scrunched into a growl. He has picked on my older brother for weeks. A relentless assault. My pacifist brother. My quiet, kind brother who is too good for this violent world. I hate vultures. Their confidence grows like mold on dirty dishes. If you let it, they will suffocate your spirit. I hate vultures.” Xia Li is The Protector! She sees the wicked and fights them. Who will be first for Xia to battle when she arrives?

Sasha Banks & Naomi VS Shayna Baszler & Natalya!

SmackDown returns as the Queen and Queen are already in the ring. But the Boss makes her entrance to join Naomi. The teams sort out while Sonya defends there was no rigged ref last week. Shayna and Sasha start, fans rally up for The Boss but Shayna pie faces her. Sasha SLAPS back! Sasha then gets Shayna to the ropes, shoulders in from the apron and steps in to tilt-o-whirl. Shayna resists the takedown, trips Sasha, turns her and has the ANKLE LOCK! Sasha fights up, but Shayna reels her into the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Sasha backs Shayna up, Naomi tags in, Sasha snapmares free and Naomi wrenches Shayna to a crucifix takedown.

TWO, but Naomi reels Shayna in for a sunset flip! Shayna stays up and has an arm! Shayna tortures Naomi’s wrist, but Naomi fights up. Shayna bends the elbow, tags Natty, and Natty stomps Naomi. Natty headlocks, hits the takeover, and grinds Naomi down. Naomi headscissors, Natty kips free but Naomi kips up, too! Natty SLAPS Naomi, whips her to a corner but Naomi goes up and over then baits Natty into a dropkick! And another! Natty bails out but Naomi storms over. Shayna gets in the way but Naomi DECKS her! Naomi baseball slides but Natty ducks to get the atomic sit-down! Tag to Shayna and she PENALTY KICKS Naomi down!

Shayna puts Naomi in the ring, then wraps on the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Sasha baits Natty, dodges her, then gives Shayna a BACKSTABBER! The Boss helps out Naomi and fans fire up as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Natty has Naomi in a cobra twist, but Naomi hip tosses free! Hot tag to Shayna and she DECKS Sasha before Naomi can get there! Shayna taunts Naomi, CLUBS her, gets a leg and bends it at the knee. Naomi endures the toehold, Natty taunts the fans, but Naomi kicks Shayna with the free leg! Shayna turns Naomi over to STOMP the ankle! Shayna tags Naomi, they drag Naomi up and double snap suplex! Cover, ONE! Naomi is still in this but Natty keeps her down with a chinlock. Natty grabs Naomi’s arm that reaches for Sasha and brings her away. Fans rally up, Naomi throws elbows but Natty throws her down by her hair!

Natty tags Shayna, they both throw Naomi down by her hair! Cover, TWO! Shayna has a standing toehold, Naomi endures, and she stomps at Shayna’s leg! Shayna tags Natty but Naomi fights them both off! DOUBLE BULLDOG! Fans fire up and Naomi hurries over, but Shayna trips Sasha off the apron! Sasha ROCKS Shayna, but gets tripped up again! Shayna whips but Sasha reverses and Shayna hits barriers! METEORA! Naomi dodges Natty, rolls her up, TWO! Natty rolls Naomi, TWO! DISCUS LARIAT! Natty covers again, TWO! Naomi is still in this and she goes to the apron. Natty grabs her legs and drags her back, then drags her up to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!!

Naomi survives and Sonya is amused. Natty seethes while Naomi crawls to the apron. Natty drags Naomi up but Naomi ROUNDHOUSES her down! Sunset flip, high stack, Naomi & Sasha win!

Winners: Sasha Banks & Naomi, by pinfall

Sonya applauds the win, but it could just be for appearances. Naomi hops down to stare Sonya down, but is it only a matter of time before Sonya has a new way to mess with The Glow?

The list has been posted!

Jeff Hardy, Ricochet, Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Rick Boogs, Happy Corbin, Mansoor, Mad Cap Moss, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Jinder Mahal, Shanky, both Viking Raiders, Drew Gulak, both of Los Lotharios and even MACE are in, but now Drew McIntyre? Well that might not sit well with him. Sheamus tries to tell him, but McIntyre didn’t make the cut. Sheamus then laughs his way out, and McIntyre is seething. Will this snub go unpunished for Adam Pearce?

Black Friday Invitational WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!

The Great Liberator heads out first, followed by Erik & Ivar. In the end, it will be every man for himself, but will the Viking Raiders be able to raid all the way until the end?

SmackDown returns and Ricochet makes his entrance. Everyone else is in the ring already, the match introduction is made, and wait, here comes McIntyre! He doesn’t seem to care that he got left off the lift, he’s getting in on this! And everyone else clears out as he starts swinging Angela the Claymore!! He dares anyone to get back in the ring but then Pearce runs out and shouts at McIntyre. McIntyre says this is on Pearce, and dares them to make him leave! This madness sorts out while SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and the battle royal is on, minus McIntyre. Sheamus fights Los Lotharios, Sami works to be the odd man out in the gaps, but Ivar finds him! Ivar goes after Sami in a corner, Roman and the Bloodline watch backstage. Pearce stays ringside to make sure McIntyre doesn’t return. Hardy and Cesaro ELIMINATE Mahal! Gulak and Sami work together but Cesaro holds on! So Gulak betrays Sami! Cesaro gets in, EuroUpppers Gulak, throws him out but Gulak holds on. Sami runs to HELLUVA KICK and ELIMINATE Gulak! But then Cesaro goes after Sami! Sami fights Cesaro off and bumps him off buckles.

Mansoor jump son Sheamus as a sleeper hold backpack but Holland CLUBS him down! Sheamus and Holland throw Mansoor out but Mansoor skins the cat! But he gets DOUBLE KNEES from Holland & Sheamus, the ELIMINATE him! Happy Corbin is after Ricochet, Mace gets Madcap with both hands! But Moss punches free and fireman’s carries to throw Mace out and ELIMINATE him! Sheamus digs boots into Hardy, Shanky CLUBS Moss! Moss throws body shots then throat chops Shanky back! Sheamus saves Holland from Ivar, Moss dumps Shanky out and ELIMINATES him! But then Cesaro gets Moss up! Sheamus and Holland go after Cesaro!

Boogs helps Cesaro against Sheamus and Holland! Cesaro dumps Holland out and ELIMINATES him! Moss dumps Cesaro and ELIMINATES him! Corbin and Moss high-five, and then Moss goes after Corbin! Just kidding! Moss’ sense of humor pays off, but then Corbin throws Moss out and ELIMINATES him! Corbin says it’s nothing personal, and Moss is able to laugh it off. But will these two be celebrating later? The field is still competitive as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once more and Hardy works on Sheamus, Ivar brawls with Ricochet, Boogs is after Corbin but Los Lotharios goes after Boogs. Sami hangs back while Corbin and Ivar work on Ricochet. Ricochet fights free, then throws hands and CHOPS in return! Sheamus spots Sami but Sami says they should work together on Hardy. Sheamus seems to agree, but then he kicks and CLUBS away on Sami! Corbin whips Ricochet to a corner, runs in and clobbers Ricochet! Erik and Ivar work together to mug Corbin. Boogs kicks Garza, Humberto kicks him. Humberto springboard ROUNDHOUSES! Garza clotheslines Boogs up and out, they ELIMINATE Boogs!

Los Lotharios go after Erik but Ivar saves him from the double suplex. Ivar throws and ELIMINATES Garza, then the Vikings work together to TOSS Humberto out onto him! The Vikings ELIMINATE Los Lotharios! They give Sami KNEE after KNEE, but Sami flops out under the top rope! Ivar SPLASHES Ricochet in the corner, Erik uses Ivar as a weapon, HIP ATTACK in the corner! The Viking Raiders fight Sheamus, knock him down, then drag him up to aim for ropes! Sheamus fights free, clotheslines Erik out and ELIMINATES him! Ivar runs in but Sheamus dumps him out Sheamus ELIMINATES the Viking Raiders! The final four are Sheamus, Ricochet, Hardy and Corbin!

Ricochet goes after Sheamus, Hardy saves himself against Corbin, Sheamus whips but Ricochet ducks and dodges and springboards to crossbody! Fans fire up as Hardy runs in but Ricochet boot shim away. Somersault SHOTGUN! Ricochet gets up but Corbin CLOBBERS him! Corbin drags Ricochet up, knees low, then takes a moment to stalk Ricochet. Ricochet fires off haymakers, runs but into a choke grip, CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Corbin whips, Ricochet goes up but can’t get over! Corbin puts him on the apron but Ricochet shoulders in then springboard missile dropkicks! Ricochet gets Corbin up and to the ropes but Corbin rakes eyes!

Corbin blocks a kick but Ricochet ENZIGURIS! Sheamus BROGUES Ricochet down! Sheamus tosses and ELIMINATES Ricochet! Sheamus fires hands but Corbin fires back! They brawl but Hardy stays a safe distance away. Sheamus throws Corbin at ropes but Corbin holds on! Sheamus throws knees, Corbin elbows back. Hardy runs in and attack sin the corner! Then he hits Corbin in the other corner! Hardy rams his shoulder into Sheamus again and again, then runs, but into a LARIAT! Sheamus drags Hardy up, whips him to a corner, but Hardy elbows back. Hardy goes up the corner, WHISPER IN THE WIND! Down goes Sheamus!

But Corbin gets Hardy up to whip, but Hardy reverses! Corbin is on the ropes, TWIST OF FATE sends him staggering! Sheamus storms over to stomp Hardy down! Corbin shoves Sheamus, Sheamus shoves Corbin, but they agree to go after Hardy. Fans rally for Hardy as he holds on to the ropes! Hardy elbows them away, so Corbin tosses Sheamus out and ELIMINATES him! Hardy tosses Corbin out and- Wait! Sami wasn’t eliminated! He throws Hardy out!! SAMI WINS!!

Winner: Sami Zayn (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Universal Championship)

Kayla interviews Sami and congratulates him. Sami says it is finally happening, but Kayla is suddenly getting word from the back. BREAKING NEWS! The suspension has been lifted! Brock Lesnar will be on SmackDown NEXT WEEK! Is this true? What does this mean for Sami, Roman and the Universal title?!

My Thoughts:

Not the best SmackDown for after a PPV, but decent stuff to build off what we had both last week and from Survivor Series. I knew McIntyre & Hardy would be in this tag match tonight, and that they’d win. I didn’t expect there to be a battle royal to choose Roman’s next challenger but I suppose it worked within story since, as Roman said in his promo, he’s beaten the best of them. I was hoping that with McIntyre kept out but Hardy put it, Hardy would get his chance. But no, WWE actively makes it so hometown heroes lose instead. I’m a bit surprised it’s Sami who won, then, but with the revelation that Lesnar’s reinstated, maybe Sami’s going to be fed to both Lesnar and Roman in this title match build.

I didn’t put it here but surprise surprise, Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo have lost their last names. Also the themed street fight tonight was lame, not because it was themed but because it was so damn short and barely did anything with the food promos. The only good thing was that the stuff didn’t go to waste. The pies were used in the promo between Charlotte Flair and Toni Storm. That match is definitely happening but I guess this was a clear indication Charlotte ain’t losing if she got to pie Toni twice. Sasha seems to be joining Naomi in this fight against Sonya’s power abuse, I wouldn’t be surprised if Aliyah and Shotzi were thrown in for a Six Woman Tag.

My Score: 8.2/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/26/24)

It’s Draft Day!

Published

18 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…

The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?

Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?

Corey Graves is in the ring.

Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.

Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.

Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.

And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.

“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.

That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?

Triple H is here!

Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.

HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!

The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”

The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?

Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!

The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?

The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!

The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!

Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.

Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?

The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?

Nick Aldis heads out.

And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.

And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!

Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!

The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.

For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!

WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!

Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?

The Dudley Boyz are here!

The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?

Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?

The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!

Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!

Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!

No Contest

The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.

SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.

Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.

Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.

Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.8/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!